Misc. Lanarkshire pre-1855 Accidents

This section contains newspaper reports on selected pre-1855 accidents in miscellaneous areas of Lanarkshire. Please check the indexes in the Accidents Section for reports by the Inspector of Mines and accidents in other areas.

3 December 1732

To the Printer, Sir, There is an account from Glasgow in your paper, (Aug. 25th, p. 410) that two men going down into a coal-pit at Hollinbush, were suffocated by the bad air but the paragraph does not mention what (or whether any) methods were used for their recovery. As these accidents are not very uncommon, and there seems to be no more reason to despair of saving the lives of such persons than of those who are drowned, many of whom have been preserved from the grave, after having lain a considerable time under water ; I shall make no apology for sending you the following case, published in the 6th volume of the Edinburgh medical essays, by Mr W. Tossach, Surgeon in Alloa ; observing only with the Authors that the experiment is very simple and perfectly safe: and that therefore there can at least be no harm, if there is not an advantage in acquainting the public with it.

"The 11th of November, 1732, (says M. Tossach) early in the morning, an unusual steam was observed to come out of a coal-pit in this neighbourhood, belonging to the Hon. Sir John Schaw of Greenock ; which the people, who went down to inquire the cause of it, found to be the smoke of coals that lay about ten fathoms from the bottom of the pit, and were some way or other set on fire in two places. This pit, and all the others which had any communication with it, were shut up close, to smother the flame, and continued thus shut till December 3d, when they were all opened. The one where the fire had been, sent out a most nauseous steam, so that nobody could come near it, except to the windward. After some hours the colliers and others ventured down by the ladders into this pit, which was thirty-four fathoms deep ; but soon came running up, all panting and breathless ; they that came latest being scarce able to speak much, as to tell that one of their number, James Blair, was left dead. Two men who were no colliers offered soon after to go down, and others, animated by their example, accompanied them, and brought up the poor man by head, shoulders, legs, or arms. Their hurry was so great, they did not think how they carried him. When he came to the mouth of the pit, which was between half an hour and three quarters after he had been left in the bottom of it, two had him by the arms, and two by the feet, with his back upmost. I made them immediately set him down at a little distance from the pit, turning him supine. The colour of the skin of his body was natural, except where it was covered with coal- dust; his eyes were flaring open, and his mouth gaping wide ; his skin was cold; and there was not the least pulse in either heart or arteries, and not the least breathing could be observed : so that he was in all appearances dead. I applied my mouth close to his, and blowed my breath as strong as I could; but having neglected to stop his nostrils, all the air came out at them: wherefore taking hold of them with one hand, and holding my other on his breast at the left pap, I blew again my breath as strong as I could, raising his chest fully with it ; and immediately I felt six or seven very quick beats of the heart; his thorax continued to play, and the pulse was felt soon after in the arteries. I then opened a vein in his arm, which, after giving a small jet, sent out the blood in drops only for a quarter of an hour, and then he bled freely. In the meantime, I caused him to be pulled pushed, and rubbed, to assist the motion, of his blood as much as I could, washed his face and temples with water, and rubbed sal volatile on his nose and lips. Though the lungs continued to play, after l had first set them in motion; yet, for more than half an hour, it was only as a pair of bellows would have done, that is, he did not so much as groan, and his eyes and mouth remained both open.

After about an hour he began to yawn, and to move his eye-lids, hands and feet. I then put water in which I had dropt some sal volatile, into his which he swallowed ; and caused him to be carried into a house hard by, where I set him in chair reclining backward. In an hour more he came pretty well to his senses, and could take drink; but knew nothing of all that had happened after his lying down at the foot of the ladders, till his awakening, as it were, in the house. Within four hours he walked home, and in as many days returned to his work ; but complained for a week or two of a violent pain in his back ; which I believe was owing to the way of carrying him up out of the pit." Mr. Tolfach adds, that Lady Schaw, Mr. Bruce of Kennet, the Rev. Mr. Thomas Turner, and several other gentlemen, with three or four hundred people of the neighbourhood, were witnesses to what is above related. Perhaps the same kind of treatment might be not ineffectually applied to the recovery of persons seemingly killed by lightning. I am, Sir, &c. [Caledonian Mercury 8 September 1764]

29 March 1753

And that on Thursday last ____ Brown was killed in a coal pit near that Town [Transcriber note - Kilsyth], by the falling of a roof of the vault, where he was digging coal : he has left a poor wife and four children. [Caledonian Mercury 3 April 1753]

11 December 1760

By a letter from Glasgow, we are informed, that yesterday morning, eight coalliers working near a walk in a coal-pit at Lightburn, distant a little way from that city, one of them accidentally cut through a partition wall, left standing to keep out the water, upon which it rushed in upon them with such violence, that one of them only had time to escape the other seven unhappily perishing. In a short time there was upwards of five fathom water in the pit, which threatened all the neighbouring heughs with destruction ; to prevent which, they have been obliged, since that unhappy accident, to keep their men and horses in the machines at close work, Otherwise they would have been entirely over-flowed. [Caledonian Mercury 13 December 1760]

Thursday, five men and two boys were drowned in a coal pit at Carntine, about a mile from this city, occasioned by their digging too near an old waste, where there was a large quantity of water. [Caledonian Mercury 17 December 1760]

1 August 1764

They write from Glasgow, that on Wednesday the first instant two men in attempting to clean an old coal pit, at the Hollinbush, were suffocated by the bad air, the last in going down, called to be pulled up, but before he reached the top, he fell from the rope and shared the same fate with his companion. [Caledonian Mercury - Saturday 25 August 1764]

NB See also article above listed under 3 December 1732

27 October 1767

On Tuesday last Robert Gun, Collier in Jerviston, in going down the coal-pit missed his hold, fell to the bottom, and was instantly killed. [Caledonian Mercury 31 October 1767]

June 1771

Last week, as three boys were diverting themselves about Mr. Fairie's coal-pit, near Rutherglen, one of them attempted to slide down the rope, which firing in his hand, he let go his hold, and unfortunately lost his life by this foolish exploit. [Caledonian Mercury 15 June 1771]

5 June 1771

Wednesday se'ennight,. one John Lethem, a workman at one of Carntyne coal-pits, unluckily slipt his foot near the mouth of the pit, fell into it, arid was bruised to death by the fall: leaving behind him his wife, a poor old woman, who is blind and unable to do anything to support herself. [Caledonian Mercury 15 June 1771]

24 November 1773

On Thursday se'ennight a young lad, who was driving a gin at Cowglen coal-pit, as he was sitting on the beam behind the horses, unfortunately fell off it, and was killed [Caledonian Mercury 1 December 1773]

November 1773

Last week, two melancholy accidents happened in the neighbourhood of Glasgow. An old man, of the name Love, employed in shanking a coal-pit at Tollcross, was unfortunately killed by some stones and rubbish, which fell upon him from the side of the shank, while was at work ; — and, a boy about fourteen years of age, going down a coal-pit at Jordanhill to his father, coal-hewer there, having lost his hold, tumbled off the bucket, when about half way down, and was unluckily killed in the fall. [Caledonian Mercury 4 December 1773]

November 1774

The following melancholy accident happened at Govan coal work in the neighbourhood of Glasgow - As a collier was coming up from the coal pit, when about mid-day, a dog running by the hole mouth, fell down upon him, which made him quit his hold, when he fell to the bottom and was killed on the spot. He has left a wife and six children. [Caledonian Mercury 17 November 1774]

7 April 1775

On Saturday morning, a young man, a collier, was unfortunately killed in one of Carntyne coal pits, about a mile east of Glasgow, by part of the roof giving way and falling upon him. [Caledonian Mercury 15 April 1775]

4 October 1776

Friday last a collier at Camlachie coal works, was unluckily killed, having fallen from the mouth of the coal pit to the bottom, being upwards of 50 fathoms deep. [Edinburgh Advertiser 8 October 1776]

29 August 1777

Yesterday se'ennight, as a man was working in a coal pit belonging to Mr Young of Netherfield, near Strathaven, part of the roof gave way, by which accident he was unfortunately killed on the spot. [Caledonian Mercury 6 September 1777]

23 January 1780

Yesterday se'ennight, a very melancholy accident happened at a coal-pit about three miles east of Glasgow : William Matthie, one of the proprietors of the work, went, about ten o'clock at night, to examine a steam engine which was newly erected, and going too close to the working beam, it came down upon him with such force as knocked out his brains. [Caledonian Mercury 31 January 1780]

29 October 1785

The same day two men fell from off a scaffold in one of the coal-pits at Camlachie to the bottom, and were killed. [Caledonian Mercury 5 November 1785]

March 1786

The week before last, while a man was working at the bottom of a coal-pit, in the neighbourhood of Glasgow, a large piece of coal fell out of the bucket going up, and pitched upon his head, which fractured his skull in such a manner that he died soon after. [Caledonian Mercury 5 April 1786]

27 September 1786

Friday, a melancholy accident happened in one of the coal-pits at Camlachie: One of the workmen observing a large stone in the roof likely to give way, ordered his son, a young man, to clear the ground for erecting a pillar to support it, when, in the very act of doing so, the stone fell upon him, and crushed him in a manner too shocking to relate. The stone was so large, that it took all the men in the pit to remove it off the body. [Caledonian Mercury 1 November 1786]

October 1786

A few days ago the following melancholy accident happened at one of the coal pits at Camlachie:- While the empty bucket was going down, it unfortunately loosened from its hinges, and in its fall struck a bearer woman out of the other bucket that was coming up, and falling to the bottom of the pit, (about 50 fathoms), she was killed on the spot. [Edinburgh Advertiser 24 October 1786]

27 April 1787

On Friday last, as a man was going down a coal- pit at Rutherglen, he was scorched to death by an explosion of sulphurous fire. [Caledonian Mercury 5 May 1787]

15 August 1787

Yesterday se’ennight, in the afternoon, two men belonging to a coal-pit at Camlachie, while coming up in the bucket, a large stone fell from the wall upon them, which drove one of them to the bottom, and was instantly killed ; the other was so much bruised that he died in a few hours thereafter. We are sorry to add, that they have both left wives and several children to bemoan their unhappy fate - — the one seven, and the other five. Caledonian Mercury 23 August 1787]

27 October 1787

Last week, while a man was coming up a coal pit at Carmyle, the bucket gave way by which accident he fell to the bottom, and was so much bruised that he languished till Saturday morning, when he expired. [Caledonian Mercury 3 November 1787]

6 November 1787

On Tuesday se’ennight, a collier, when sliding down a rope in a coal-pit near Westmuir, let go his hold, at which he fell to the bottom, and was killed on the spot. [Caledonian Mercury 15 November 1787]

25 February 1788

The following melancholy accident happened in a coal-pit, in the parish of Campsie, in the lands of Benclough, belonging to Sir Archibald Edmonton of Duntreath, Bt, about nine miles north from Glasgow, on Feb. 25. Three colliers went down the pit in the morning, with the view of making an opening into an old waste, wherein they suspected to find a quantity of water, which, upon opening the waste, accordingly they did. The water came slowly forward to the bottom of the pit, when two more young men went down out of curiosity to see the water let out. Immediately after they went down, the water came out in a great quantity, which run up the pit two or three yards, but immediately subsided, when the pit filled with bad air, and they all perished. [Scots Magazine 1788]

The following melancholy accident happened in a coal-pit, in the parish of Campsie, in the lands of Benclough, belonging to Sir Archibald Edmonston of Duntreath, Bart, about 9 miles north from Glasgow, on Monday last. Three colliers went down the pit in the morning, with the view of making an opening into an old waste, wherein they suspected to find a quantity of water, which, upon opening the waste, accordingly they did; the water came slowly forward to the bottom of the pit, when two more young men went down out of curiosity to see the water let out. Immediately after they went down, the water came out in a great quantity, which run up the pit two or three yards, but immediately subsided, when the pit filled with bad air, and they all perished, and were not got out on Thursday, though the greatest diligence had been used in sinking a new pit, which is now done, in order to open a communication with the old pit, and thereby draw off the foul air. [Caledonian Mercury 1 March 1788]

4 October 1788

On Saturday, the body of a man was taken out of a coal-pit near Camlachie. He proved to be Thomas Dickson, one of the workmen belonging to the Clyde iron works, and had been missing for some days. He has left a wife, with six children and big with the seventh. The frequent accidents of this kind render it unpardonable in the owners of coal- pits not to fill them up. They are in some measure guilty of the death of the unfortunate sufferers. So numerous, indeed, are these nuisances in that neighbourhood, that people dare not venture out by night, nor trust their children out of sight in the day time. [Caledonian Mercury 11 October 1788]

24 September 1790

Friday a man was killed in one of the Rutherglen coal pits, by a piece of the roof falling on his head. [Caledonian Mercury 30 September 1790]

1 April 1799

On Wednesday last, .while two men and a boy were ascending in the basket from a coal pit at Fullarton, in the neighbourhood of Glasgow, they got entangled with the descending basket, by which the boy was thrown out, but was saved from falling, by one of the men who caught him by the leg, and drew him again into the basket ; the shock which he received, however, was so violent, that he died the same night. [Caledonian Mercury 8 April 1799]

11 & 16 May 1800

Yesterday se'ennight at Faskine colliery, in the parish of Old Monkland, while eight men and three women were at work in a pit, the pit took fire, owing to a trap door having been left open, by which they were all shockingly burned; one of the men is since dead. A nearly similar accident happened on Friday to four men who were at work in a coal pit near Rutherglen; they were all miserably burnt, and one of them is since dead. [Caledonian Mercury 19 May 1800]

6 November 1800

On the evening of the 6th inst., Thomas Urie, a collier, at Strathbungo, near Glasgow, fell into a waste coal pit and was killed. [Caledonian Mercury 20 November 1800]

5 December 1801

On Saturday morning a boy of the name of Stobo who had gone to Westthorn coal pit, in the neighbourhood of this city, for a cart load of coals, while looking into it, fell down, and was so shockingly bruised that he died shortly after. [Caledonian Mercury 12 December 1801]

6 January 1802

Wednesday while a man was working in one of the coal pits at Barrachnie, in the neighbourhood of Glasgow, part of the roof fell in, by which he was instantly crushed to death. He has left a wife and four children. Another man was considerably bruised, but there are hopes of his recovery. [Caledonian Mercury 11 January 1802]

4 October 1804

On Thursday afternoon when a collier and blacksmith were descending a coal-pit, at Fullerton works, about three miles east from Glasgow, the basket in which they stood was overset by an empty one coming up, when the collier, being thrown out, fell to the bottom and instantly expired. The blacksmith, in supporting himself by the rope, dislocked his shoulder. [Caledonian Mercury 8 October 1804]

9 January 1805

Wednesday afternoon, while a boy was driving a horse and basket in a coal pit, at Fullerton, about four miles from Glasgow, the basket struck against a post fixed to support the roof, which gave way, and a large stone fell upon the boy, which killed him upon the spot. [Caledonian Mercury 14 January 1805]

2 August 1805

Friday night, about seven o'clock, one of the workmen at Govan Colliery fell from the scaffold to the bottom of the pit, in which there was 10 fathoms of water. His body was not got out until nearly two hours after the accident. A wife and four small children are left behind him in a destitute condition. [Caledonian Mercury 5 August 1805]

15 April 1806

On Tuesday night, a large stone fell from the roof of a coal pit at Fullarton, about four miles east from Glasgow, by which a boy about ten years of age, and a horse, were killed on the spot. [Caledonian Mercury 19 April 1806]

11 July 1806

Friday morning, _________ Donald, an Irish labourer at Fullarton colliery, was found dead at the bottom of one of the coal pits. It is supposed that he fell in the preceding night. [Edinburgh Weekly Journal 16 July 1806]

14 July 1806

On Monday morning, about 5 o'clock, the foul air of a coal pit at Dalziel, near Hamilton, became inflammable and went off with such violence as to make part of the roof of the pit fall, by which three men were killed; they have all left numerous families. A ladder was thrown nearly half a mile from the roof of the pit. [Edinburgh Weekly Journal 16 July 1806]

15 July 1806

On Tuesday, ______ Deans, a labourer at Fullarton Colliery, four miles east from Glasgow, when shifting a loaded waggon near the mouth of the pit, the hind part of the tram struck him on the thigh, by which he tumbled into the pit, fell to the bottom, forty fathoms deep, and was killed on the spot. [Edinburgh Weekly Journal 18 July 1806]

11 October 1806

[On Saturday], when a labourer was working at the mouth of a coal pit a little south from Gorbals toll-bar, his clothes got entangled with one of the coal baskets, by which he fell to the bottom of the pit, an was killed on the spot. [Caledonian Mercury 16 October 1806]

13 March 1807

Friday morning a boy, who used to drive a horse in a coal pit at Clyde iron works, in descending the pit by the rope, fell to the bottom and was killed on the spot. There was no person at the pit mouth when he went down, and it is supposed his hands had slipped the rope, from being over heated, or from their being wet. [Caledonian Mercury 16 March 1807]

12 October 1810

On Friday last, as two young women were ascending a coal-pit at Auchielonie, a few miles from Glasgow, in which they were employed, the catch of the bucket, when near the mouth of the pit, unfortunately lost its hold, when they were precipitated to the bottom, a distance of 30 fathoms. One of them was killed on the spot, and the other survived only a few hours. [Caledonian Mercury 18 October 1810]

4 November 1811

On Monday, a man fell into a coal-pit at Campsie and had both his legs broken by the fall ; and a similar accident befel a woman at Greenend, Monkland, who was in consequence so much hurt that her recovery is not expected. They were both taken to the Royal Infirmary Glasgow. [Caledonian Mercury 7 November 1811]

18 December 1811

On Friday last, at West-thorn colliery, about two miles east from Glasgow, a collier was killed by an explosion of fire-damp in one of the pits. He has left a wife and four children. Another man was severely hurt. [Caledonian Mercury 21 December 1811]

15 August 1812

On Saturday, at Mr Dick's coal works in the neighbourhood of Glasgow, a man, while attempting to seize a coal bucket at the mouth of the pit, fell in and was killed on the spot. [Caledonian Mercury 20 August 1812]

2 March 1813

On Tuesday, the 2d current, a boy, the son of David Dun, collier in Rutherglen, while at his work in one of the coal-pits at Stonelaw, was much bruised by a fall from the roof; he was carried to the Infirmary, and died on Thursday following. [Caledonian Mercury 15 March 1813]

10 March 1813

On Wednesday last, while Andrew Arbucle was at work at Eastfield coal-pit, a large stone fell from the roof on his back, which is said to be broken in several places; he was carried to the Glasgow Infirmary, and little hopes are entertained of his recovery. [Caledonian Mercury 15 March 1813]

22 November 1813

On Monday morning se'ennight, while a collier was descending a coal pit at Stonelaw, in the parish of Rutherglen, a new rope which had not been properly fastened to the drum, gave way, and twisted round the body of James Forrest who was standing at the mouth of the pit, into which he was precipitated to the bottom, a depth of 65 fathoms, and killed on the spot. The unfortunate man has left a wife and family. [Caledonian Mercury 2 December 1813]

1 September 1814

On Thursday morning, an explosion of foul air took place in General Spens's colliery at Rutherglen. Two young men, brothers, were killed; and another man had his face and arms much burnt, and his body wounded by the pick-axes striking him, and fracturing his shoulder bone. He now lies in the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, dangerously ill. [Caledonian Mercury 5 September 1814]

John Morrison, the man hurt on Thursday se'ennight, at General Spens's colliery, and taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, died on Monday night. He has left a wife and family. [Caledonian Mercury 12 September 1814]

29 August 1815

Tuesday morning there was a melancholy accident at Garbraid colliery, near Glasgow.- James and George Duncan, father and son, were ascending the pit, when the basket upset, and they were thrown with great violence to the bottom. The father was killed on the spot. The son was carried to the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow; but, as both his thigh bones are fractured, and his face and forehead traversed by a very deep cut, his recovery is not expected. [Caledonian Mercury 31 August 1815]

5April 1816

Friday forenoon, the following melancholy accident happened at Govan colliery, near Glasgow: - About ten o'clock, as a waggoner was driving eight waggons on the railway from one hill to another, three boys were diverting themselves on the road side. He had just passed them, when, hearing a cry, he looked about, and saw the hindmost wheel of a waggon, loaded with coals, passing over the neck of one of the boys. The body was taken to the, Gorbals Police Office, and proved to be David Murdoch, son of Mr Murdoch boot-closer, Rutherglen Loan. He was about eight years of age. [Caledonian Mercury 8 April 1816]

16 January 1817

On Thursday last, as a collier of the name of Gathram was ascending a coal pit at Bankhead, near Rutherglen, a hook attached to his body by leathern harness, entangled with the descending bucket, and precipitated him to the bottom. As he fell seventeen fathoms, he was killed on the spot. He has left a widow and family. [Caledonian Mercury 25 January 1817]

22 January 1818

On Thursday, a labourer, of the name of Robert Morton, was killed in a coal-pit belonging to Mr Farie, near Stonelaw, by an explosion of firedamp. He has left a widow and family. [Edinburgh Advertiser 27 January 1818]

24 October 1818

On Saturday, the following melancholy accident happened at Govan Colliery:- A boy, having gone to the pit with his father's dinner, was running past, at the time the hutch was elevated for the purpose of lowering, and was dashed by it into the pit with such violence that killed him in a moment. The feelings of the agonised mother who had no notice of the accident till the dead body of her son was brought home, may be conceived, but cannot easily be described. [Edinburgh Advertiser 30 October 1818]

13 February 1819

On Saturday as two men were descending a coal pit about two miles east from Glasgow, the rope broke, when they fell to the bottom, and were both dreadfully bruised; one of them is since dead. [Caledonian Mercury 20 February 1819]

28 May 1819

On Friday morning a melancholy accident occurred near Camlachie. The engine-man, belonging to a coal pit there, had stopt his engine for the purpose of getting home to remove his furniture to a new house. The fly wheel was still in motion, and, in the hurry, he attempted to leap through the spokes, yet turning on their axis with considerable force; his foot, however, slipt and he fell, when one of them struck him on the back part of the head, and dislocated the head from the bones of the neck. He had been in the habit of leaping through the spokes for the purpose of reaching a small apartment where he left his clothes. The first thing taken to the empty house was the corpse of the unfortunate man. He has left a wife and several children. [Caledonian Mercury 3 June 1819]

21 September 1819

On Tuesday morning a man was killed in one of the coal pits near Airdrie, by a stone falling from the roof upon him, which cut his body in two. [Caledonian Mercury 25 September 1819]

11 May 1820

On Thursday night, about 12 o'clock, as a man, at some coal works a little east from Glasgow was rising from his seat at the fire, to go home he lost his balance, reeled, fell down the pit and was killed on the spot, it is supposed by concussion, as no marks of injury are apparent, with the exception of a trifling abrasion of the skin of the forehead. [Caledonian Mercury 18 May 1820]

14 April 1821

On Saturday last, while a boy was at work in Rutherglen Farm pit, he was killed on the spot by a fall of stones from the roof. [Glasgow Herald 16 April 1821]

3 August 1821

On the 3d instant, when four boys were coming up a coal-pit at Tollcross, one of them, about thirteen years of age, of the name of Buchan, fell out of the hatch, and was so much bruised that he died next morning. [Glasgow Herald 27 August 1821]

26 September 1821

On Wednesday morning, while three brothers of the name of Simpson were descending one of Mr Walker's coal pits, near Kelvin dock, unfortunately the buckets got entangled, and the one containing the three brothers was upset, by which one lad about 13 years of age was precipitated to the bottom, and killed on the spot. The other two saved themselves by clinging to the rope. As such melancholy accidents very often occur, it would be advisable to attach to each bucket as many ropes as it will contain men, and to insist upon each man descending or ascending to tie a rope about his middle before his departure. This could surely be done with expedition and ease. [Caledonian Mercury 29 September 1821]

28 October 1821

A distressing accident took place at Stonelaw colliery, near Rutherglen, about half past five o'clock on Sunday afternoon. William Fell, manager, had been preparing the steam engine for work, and asked his son John, a young man of 21 years of age, to go to the house for candles, who, in turning, took the wrong side of the it, and was immediately precipitated to the bottom, and killed on the spot; the body was instantly got out dreadfully bruised. [Edinburgh Advertiser 2 November 1821]

31 October 1821

Wednesday morning, about 6 o’clock, an Irishman, who lodged in Gorbals, and worked at the engine-pit presently sinking at Govan Colliery, fell into the pit and was killed. The fall was occasioned, it is believed, by the slippery state of the planks on the mouth of the pit. [Glasgow Herald 2 November 1821]

11 & 12 January 1822

On Friday last, a man was killed in a coal pit at Cathcart. He has left a disconsolate widow and three children to lament his loss.  On Saturday forenoon, while a man was standing in the bottom of a pit at the Govan colliery, a piece of coal fell from an ascending hutch, and unfortunately lighting on his head, killed him on the spot. He has left a wife and eight children to bewail his death. [Glasgow Herald 18 January 1822]

24 July 1823

On Thursday morning, while one man and two boys were descending the shaft of a coal pit between Cambuslang and Rutherglen, the bucket caught upon a projection in the pit and overset, when the three unfortunate individuals were precipitated to the bottom, a depth of 27 fathoms. The man was observed to breath only twice after he was brought up, but the two boys were killed on the spot. The man had been only three weeks married. [Scotsman 26 July 1823]

A melancholy accident happened on Thursday morning at Eastfield Colliery near Rutherglen. As a married man named Smith, and two boys, Gilmour and Brown, were descending the pit, the bucket came in contact with some boards and precipitated them to the bottom, 30 fathoms, and they were killed on the spot. [Caledonian Mercury 26 July 1823]

30 November 1825

Thursday morning, about eight o'clock, a dreadful accident occurred at Westmuir, near Glasgow. Mr Thomas Hutton a respectable victualler in Parkhead, while taking a walk, as was his custom, chanced to turn aside to survey the mining operations at the sinking of the new coal pit about the centre of the village of Westmuir. After he had surveyed the work for a few minutes, putting some questions apparently to satisfy his curiosity, the hillman observed him to seize hold of that part of the scaffolding which runs across the centre of the pit, to get a better prospect of the fearful abyss below. Whether Mr Hutton had overreached himself or his feet had slipped is not exactly known, as the hillman's back was turned to him at the instant, but in a few seconds he was alarmed by a sudden rebounding against the sides of the pit, and missing Mr Hutton, he conjectured the fatal catastrophe The deceased in his descent had struck the bucket which was coming up, and the workmen below were in consequence apprised of some approaching danger, and kept out of the way. The deceased fell about 70 fathoms; he was taken up lifeless, one of his thigh bones was broken, and his head considerably cut. The melancholy event caused a great sensation in the neighbourhood. Mr Hutton was a fine young man, of good abilities, and had been very, successful in business as a victualler. He adopted the plan of selling his articles cheap and good, and acquired a large run. He has a neat three story house finishing at Parkhead. [Caledonian Mercury - Saturday 03 December 1825]

17 January 1826

Belvedere Colliery – From the Glasgow Chronicle - On Tuesday an accident occurred at Belvedere colliery to the eastward of this city, which had at first a very alarming aspect. The colliery has not been working for about three weeks, having been undergoing repair, and during that time the hard coal, thirty inches thick, filled with water. When the water is drawn away, the roof of the pit becomes soft, and the stones fall from it, sometimes to the extent of seven carts in one mass, and obstruct the proper current of free air. About eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, some of the colliers descended the pit, which is32 fathoms deep, for the purpose of opening the trap-doors to clear the air-course, and remove the stones that had fallen from the roof. The workmen had proceeded from the pit bottom, on their way to the work-rooms, about 60 or 70 yards, when they encountered fire damp. Several of them fell from inhaling the impure air, and on returning to the bottom of the pit, three of the number were missing. By the exertions of the oversman, one of the men was immediately brought up in life. In making the attempt to recover the two others, three more were overpowered. One of those that first fell, Henry Reid, belonging to Parkhead, was brought up at 11 o'clock. Every exertion was made by Dr Craig to recover him for two hours, by trying to inflate the lungs and putting him into a warm bath, but life proved extinct. He was found lying on his back, which is a bad position for inhaling the gas, and though he was a strong man, his chest was weak. He was a sober industrious man, and has left a family. It was distressing to observe the anxiety of those who had friends working in the pit, and who were arriving from all quarters. The workmen belonging to the pit, with two or three exceptions, refused to go down, although Mr Houldsworth offered each man a reward of five guineas. A number of stranger colliers, and two weavers, volunteered their services to bring up five that were still below. At three o'clock, three of the men were brought up in an exhausted state; but by the most unremitting exertions they all recovered. Some of those who so gallantly volunteered their services, were themselves repeatedly overcome by the foul air, and were drawn up in an insensible state. They, however, no sooner recovered, than they again went down on their humane errand. At nine o'clock at night another man was brought up, who also recovered. Three of those who recovered were six hours in the pit. They describe their sensations to have been like a person becoming very drowsy, and then losing muscular action, repeatedly dropping down and rising up, imagining there was nothing wrong with them, till they had lost all recollection. They state that it would be a very easy mode of death, being without the least pain. The only remaining collier in the pit, a young man of the name of Sharpe, could not be found that night, the searchers carrying no light, as they were afraid of an explosion, and only groping their way in the dark. He was one of those who went down to save the deceased, and was given up for lost. Yesterday morning at 10 o'clock to the great astonishment of every person, he was discovered breathing, after being 26 hours in the pit, and the usual remedies being applied, he is now in a fair way of recovery. He also states that he fell into a lethargic powerless state, and gradually lost all recollection. He was found lying stretched with his face to the pavement, which is considered as having been the means of saving him, as whatever pure air exists in such a crisis is next the ground. The neighbourhood was crowded all day, and the most exaggerated reports were in circulation as to the extent of the disaster [The Times 24 January 1826]

16 September 1826

Saturday forenoon, a man of the name of Hunter, a collier, was killed in one of the coal-pits at Eastfield, near Rutherglen, by the falling of the roof. He has left a wife and three children. [Glasgow Herald 18 September 1826]

21 December 1826

On Thursday morning, one of the men employed at a coal pit near Shettleston, while in the act of taking hold of the ascending bucket, missed his grasp, and fell to the bottom of the pit. He was killed on the spot. He has left a wife and eight children. [Caledonian Mercury 28 December 1826]

3 March 1827

Fire Damp - We have the painful task of recording another instance of the fatal effects of the fire damp in coal mines. An explosion of this gas took place on Saturday morning in one of the coal pits belonging to Clyde Iron Works, by which two men were killed, and ten more or less burnt, three of them very severely. We are glad to learn that no blame attaches to any one on account of this accident, which was caused by an old working, abandoned about 35 years ago, having been laid down on a plan as being less extensive than it really was, which led to consider the new working as being 40 yards distant from the old one, when, in point of fact, it was only a few feet. The pit was full of colliers at the time, but the cracking of the barrier warned them of their approaching danger, otherwise many more of them must have perished. All of them in a short time made their way to the shaft, with the exception of the two who were killed. They were not found till after a search of between two and three hours, made by the colliery oversman and five colliers, at the risk of their own lives. It appeared that one of them had been killed by the fire damp, as he was dreadfully scorched, and that the other had been suffocated by the choke damp. [Caledonian Mercury 10 March 1827]

23 December 1829

Wednesday night, about eight o’clock, an explosion of foul air took place in Mr Wilson’s coalpit, Dalmarnock, which unfortunately killed Hugh Richardson, collier, and severely burned other four men; in consequence of which a few more went down, carrying with them Sir H. Davy’s safety lamp, for the purpose of bringing up those who had been previously hurt, when, owing to the bottom of the lamp not being properly secured it fell off, and a second explosion took place, whereby other eight men were likewise burned, some of them severely, (among whom was the brother of the deceased), but none of them dangerously ; Richardson has left a wife and three children. [Edinburgh Evening Courant 26 December 1829]

11 November 1830

Thursday morning, a collier of the name of Stewart, was unfortunately killed at Dalmarnock Colliery. It appears that he was descending the shaft in the bucket at the moment of the accident, when he lost his balance, and was precipitated to a depth of sixty fathoms. [Caledonian Mercury 13 November 1830]

9 December 1833

Coal Pit Accident - Monday morning, between six and seven o'clock, an explosion of fire-damp occurred in one of Mr Wilson's coal pits at Dalmarnock, by which one man was very seriously injured, and a boy slightly scorched. It was caused by an air-hole in a platform, a few fathoms from the bottom of one of the shafts (there are two near each other, and, although the one is deeper than its fellow, there is a communication between them), becoming blocked up, and, while a workman was engaged in clearing the opening to admit of the water, which had accumulated during .Sunday, being run off, the hissing noise occasioned thereby attracted the attention of a boy in the other shaft, who, hurrying to ascertain what was the matter, with his lamp in hand, met the carbonated gas as it was being forced out, and thus was the catastrophe occasioned. The boy, as mentioned above, was burnt, but not severely ; while the man employed on the scaffolding had his footing blown from under him, and the wooden work at the sides of the pit being rent from its fastenings, and falling above him, he was so much bruised that his life is despaired of. [Caledonian Mercury 14 December 1833]

4 January 1834

At Dalzell coal pit on Saturday week, a melancholy occurrence took place. As a collier was descending the pit on a board fastened at both ends, the tackling on one end unfortunately gave way, by which he was precipitated to the bottom and dreadfully mangled; When taken up he was lifeless. [Scotsman 11 January 1834]

15 April 1835

Fatal and Melancholy Accident - At a colliery in the neighbourhood of Wilsontown, on Wednesday last, a young man of the name of Adams was adjusting the rope at the pit head, while his father was in the act of ascending from his work, when by some inadvertency the rope which he was adjusting had formed into a coil on a part of the gin, and not being aware of this circumstance, when it suddenly lengthened out, he lost his balance and fell headlong into the pit. In his descent, the unfortunate youth gave one piercing farewell shriek as he passed his father, and he next instant was hurried into eternity. [Caledonian Mercury 18 April 1835]

13 October 1838

Melancholy Accident – Three men Killed – On Saturday afternoon, about 5 o'clock, the following distressing occurrence took place at the new Polmadie Colliery belonging to Mr Dixon of Govanhill. Five men employed in the coal-pit, when leaving off work, entered a bucket at the bottom of the shank, for the purpose of being towed to the top. When the bucket began to ascend it was discovered that one end of the crossbar to which it was attached had loosened from the chain, and that the bar was thus being drawn up only by one side – on the discovery of which two of the men leaped out, before they had risen far from the bottom. The other three, however, kept their places, and were towed up to within a few feet of the surface. Here the only remaining rivet which kept the car fastened to the chain was driven out, as is supposed, by the action of the former on the sides of the pit, when the bar, and the bucket containing the three men, were of course precipitated to the bottom, a depth of about 100 fathoms. It is needless to say that the unfortunate men were frightfully mangled, and deprived instantaneously of life. The names of the sufferers are Daniel Donald, John Morgan and John McIlwear, the first a collier, and the two latter drainers. All three were natives of Ireland. We may mention that there is a passage to the surface by means of a stair, which, it is directed, the workmen should always avail themselves of on coming up: but as it is a dilatory and circuitous route, they generally adopt the more rapid ascent by the “tow” [Glasgow Argus – quoted in Scotsman 16 October 1838]

28 December 1838

On Friday morning, George Symington, one of the workmen at Westmuir colliery [Glasgow], went up to sort something that was wrong with the machinery immediately above the pit mouth, when we regret to say, he lost his hold and fell to the bottom of the pit. His brains were dashed out. He was a well behaved man, and has left a wife and family.[Scotsman 2 Jan 1839]

3 March 1840

Fatal Accident - An accident , which has been painfully fatal in its results occurred at Scaterigg Colliery on the morning of Tuesday se'ennight , the particulars of which are as follows:- About ten o'clock on the day mentioned, a little girl, named Elizabeth M'Luckie ; about eleven years of age, proceeded to one of the pits with her father' s breakfast , accompanied by her relative, Grace Smith, a girl of the the same age. In the absence of the pithead man , the children proceeded to amuse themselves by running in and out of the hurleys upon the bank, and in doing so, they unthinkingly allowed too much way to get open one of the hurleys , when from the impetus it had received, it rolled into the pit-mouth , and the unfortunate children were dashed to the bottom - a distance of twenty-two fathoms - and killed on the spot. The father was near the pit-bottom at the moment, and beard the shrieks proceeding from above, as the poor girls were being hurried to destruction, and in a few seconds the painful duty was left him of picking up the mangled remains of his daughter and grand-child [Glasgow Herald 10 March 1840]

7 July 1840

Fatal Coal Pit Accident – On Tuesday morning, a fatal accident occurred at Mr Gray's coal pit at Westmuir [Shettleston]. As one of the buckets, containing several persons, with some colliers breakfasts, had arrived at the bottom of the shaft, one of the workmen named Alexander Park, was in the act of lifting the articles containing his breakfast from the bucket, when a stone, which had been previously observed to be dangerously loose in the shank, fell, and struck him upon the back of the head, and killed him on the spot. The stroke was so severe that his neck appeared to be broken by it. This unfortunate and melancholy event has left unprovided for a widow and two children. A similar accident occurred previously at the same place, and there is little doubt that, with sufficient care, a repetition of any occurrence of the same description might have easily been prevented. [Scottish Guardian, quoted in Scotsman 11 July 1840]

18 August 1840

Distressing Accident - We regret to state that a very distressing accident occurred at Garlewood lime mine, in the parish of Lesmahagow, on Tuesday last. James Greenshields, tacksman of the work, had been making arrangements for exploding a shot from the interior of a huge block, attached to the roof of the mine, when it fell upon him , and being of the immense weight of three tons, he was instantaneously crushed to death. His companion was seriously injured, but hopes are entertained of his recovery. [Scotsman 26 August 1840]

21 November 1840

Another Coal Pit Accident - On Saturday morning a melancholy occurrence took place in a coalpit near Shettleston. It seems that two men, brothers, having descended the pit, some uneasiness was caused to the workmen above ground in consequence of the usual intimation not having been given that they had descended safely. After a short time and using the usual precaution, it was discovered that the two men were both dead from the effects of foul air. [Scotsman 28 November 1840]

16 February 1842

Fatal Coal Pit Accident - On Wednesday, of an old man, named Sinclair, by the fall of the roof in one of Captain Ferrie's pits, near Rutherglen, was so severely injured, that he survived only a few minutes. He is the sixth or seventh member of the same family who has met his deaths by similar accidents in coal pits. [Caledonian Mercury 21 February 1842]

26 February 1842

Coal Pit Accident - An explosion took place at Spittle coal pit, near Rutherglen, on Saturday afternoon, when eight men were dreadfully burned. There were ten men in the pit at the time the explosion took place, but two of them saved themselves by throwing themselves flat upon the ground. Four of the sufferers were conveyed to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and the other four, not being so severely injured, were taken to their respective homes. The accident was occasioned, it seems, by the flame of one of the lamps being allowed to come in contact with the gas that had generated in that part of the pit. [Caledonian Mercury March 5, 1842]

19 October 1844

Colliery Accidents - We are again called upon to report a series of accidents which occurred during the week. Surely it is time that something be done to prevent these calamities - nine out of every ten of which occur through carelessness and inattention on the part of either employer or employed. On Saturday last, at Dykehead Colliery, a collier of the name of Andrew Fotheringham lost his life by a fall of stone from the roof at the coal face, and has left a wife and children to lament his loss.- On Monday the 14th, Alexander Stark, and a boy of the name of Andrew Gray Lethem, were severely burned by the explosion of the gas in Drumpellier Colliery. Stark has a wife and family.-On the same day, four men, two of the name of Fulton, and other two whose names we have not learned, were severely burned in one of the Legbrannck Pits, by Holytown. It is said the latter accident happened through carelessness on the part of the workmen themselves, who cannot be too cautious, as they are sure to be the greatest sufferers from such accidents. Another accident happened at Stevenson Colliery, by Holytown, on Wednesday last, by which a Young man of the name of Wright was severely hurt in one of the pits. - Another on serious accident happened in a sinking pit at Coltness on the Monday last, by which two men were hurt, one of them of the name of John Niesh is severely hurt. – Saturday Post [Glasgow Herald 21 October 1844]

9 November 1844

Dreadful Colliery Accident.—An accident of a fatal nature occurred at Dalziel Colliery, near Hamilton, belonging to the Messrs. Wilson, on Saturday last, Three brothers, of the name of Laird, were ascending from their work, when, owing to some mismanagement on the part of the engine-man, the cage was drawn up to the hurls; and one of the brothers, named George, was dreadfully mangled, and died in a few minutes, another had his hand split up, and the third his leg broken; another man, named Philip, was also in the cage, but when he came on a level with the surface, seeing the danger he was in, ran the risk of jumping off, and was caught by some one on the pithead, which prevented his falling down the shaft. The situation of the sufferers parents, on finding themselves in an instant almost deprived of their children, was lamentable. The engine man has since been apprehended, but bailed out. - Saturday Post. [Glasgow Herald 18 November 1844]

John Sym, engine man, was charged with culpable homicide, in so far as he, being the engine man at pit No. 1, at Dalziel Colliery, did on the 9th day of November last, wickedly, culpable, and recklessly neglect to stop the said steam engine when the cage containing four individuals arrived at the mouth of the pit, by which the cage passed the mouth, and was drawn up to the pulleys, and the several of the parties injured, and George Laird, a boy, was mortally wounded, and died shortly thereafter. The prisoner pleaded with not guilty. From the evidence it appeared, that Robert Philps, David Laird, Joseph Laird, jun., and George Laird, three brothers went into the cage at the pit bottom for the purpose of being drawn up, and gave the usual signal to the engineman. The engine was accordingly put on, and the cage drawn up ; but instead of being stopped when the cage reached the pit mouth, and when the usual signal of "men on" had been given before reaching the mouth of the pit, it was allowed to continue on till the cage struck the Pulleys. Philps escaped by jumping out; but David Laird and Joseph Laird, jun.,were injured, and George Laird so severely, that he died half an hour afterwards. It was proved that Sym, the engineer, was at his post, and all the parties gave him a high character for attention to his duties. Mr. Aitken of Hill Street Foundry, who made the engine, described its construction, and having examined it, he found that a spring had been put on, which was not in the original construction, which, by enabling the engineer to trust to it instead of to his own hand, rendered its working dangerous. At this stage the Depute-Advocate abandoned the case, and the panel was dismissed from the bar. [Glasgow Herald 5 May 1845]

14 February 1845

Fatal Accident - On Friday morning, about nine o’clock, a young man the eldest of a family of eight children, unfortunately lost his life at Sheep-mount colliery, Kelvin-side, while engaged in his business as a miner. As the deceased was coming forward with his tube of coal to the shaft, the cadge being on its seat, was lifted up at the moment, and the poor fellow was precipitated a depth of 27 fathoms, and killed on the spot. [Dumfries and Galloway Standard 19 February 1845]

11 June 1845

Accident at Govan Colliery. - On Wednesday morning, a collier named Dunlop, while employed in one of the pits at Govan Colliery, had his back dislocated, from the roof giving way and falling upon him. We are glad, however, to be able to state that, notwithstanding the severe injuries sustained, he is going on favourably. Four accidents of a similar nature have occurred in this same mine within the last few months. — Citizen. [Glasgow Herald 16 June1845]

5 August 1845

On Tuesday last, at four o'clock in the morning a collier and two boys met with a very serious accident in a coal pit near Shettleston. One of the boys had his leg broken, and was otherwise considerably bruised and lacerated ; the other boy had his arm broken, and the collier, who is the father of the boys, was also very seriously contused. Dr. J. Paterson of Parkhead, who was visiting a patient in the vicinity, immediately reduced their fractured limbs, dressed their wounds and promptly rendered them every assistance in his power. - Saturday Post. [Glasgow Herald 11 August 1845]

12 January 1846

On Monday, the 12th curt., an accident of a most serious and fatal nature occurred also at Rosebank Colliery, Cambuslang, when a collier, of the name of Hector Stewart, and his son, a boy about 15 years of age, lost their lives in descending the pit about four o'clock a.m. They proceeded in their usual course, and, when about to commence their daily avocations, it is supposed that their lamps had caught the fire damp, and a tremendous explosion took place, hurling these unfortunate individuals to a distance of 36 yards from the place of explosion. They were mangled in a dreadful state, and both died in four hours after the accident. The father has left a widow and three children, unable to provide for themselves. He bore an excellent character, and was much respected in the village. [Glasgow Herald 26 January 1846]

19 February 1846

Yesterday morning, a young man named King, who was employed as a redesman, in the coal pit, No. 3, Polmadie, belonging to Mr. Dixon, met his death by an explosion of fire damp. On account of the absence of one of the other colliers, the deceased had gone to work in a part of the pit to which he was unaccustomed, and in some of the crevices of which it was known that foul air was lurking, although from the contractor not being present, the poor man was not warned of the danger, which he might otherwise have easily avoided. The consequence was the explosion already stated. Two men working in the neighbourhood had their lamps extinguished by the concussion, but beyond this they were not affected by the accident. Distressing though this occurrence may be, it is satisfactory to state, that accidents in these pits are extremely rare, although there are nearly 1000 people employed in them under ground. [Glasgow Herald 20 February 1846]

21 November 1846

Coal-Pit Accident - On Saturday 21st instant, a man named John Falling, labourer, employed at a coal-pit at Jerviston colliery, fell down one of the shafts and was shockingly mangled. It seems one of the sides or holes of the shaft was covered with a few old slabs and a little straw, in order to conduct the air down the other side of the pit. The unfortunate man, not knowing of the trap, stepped upon it and fell to the bottom of the pit. He has left a widow and family to lament his loss.-Hamilton Monthly Advertiser. [Glasgow Herald 30 November 1846]

3 April 1847

Unfortunate Accident. - On Saturday morning, Thomas Carruthers, while working in one of the gas coal pits at Auchenheath, Lesmahagow, was unfortunately killed by a stone falling from the roof. He was a young man, not very well acquainted with mining operations, and has left a widow and child to lament his loss. [Glasgow Herald 5 April 1847]

14 July 1847

Explosion of Fire-damp - On Wednesday last, about eight o'clock, an explosion of fire damp occurred at Millfield Ironstone Pit, by which three men were burned. It appears that a considerable quantity of inflammable air had collected in the heading and walls adjoining; the various workmen were aware of the fact, and some of them had shifted to other parts of the workings to avoid danger. Three men, named Walter Woodhead, James Hart, and Mathew Anderson, were working in the fourth wall on the laigh side of the heading, when the man Anderson having gone up to do something at the rise side of the wall, the gas caught his lamp and an explosion ensued, by which he and the other two men were severely scorched. Hart is able to walk about, and strong hopes are entertained that Woodhead may yet recover; Anderson is since dead, and we understand that Mr Kidd, of the Bank of Scotland, proprietor of the pit, has sent the relative of the deceased L.20, and an order for all expenses. - Airdrie Luminary. [Caledonian Mercury 19 July 1847]

1 October 1847

Fatal Accident. - On the afternoon of Friday last, a collier, named Connely, a native of Ireland, met his death under the following painful circumstances - It appears that he had been looking over the railings into a shank of a coal pit in Mr. Dixon's works, used for the descent of empty cages, when a bell was rung - the signal to the engine-man to proceed to pull up the full cage and lower the empty one. This signal was either unheard r unheeded by the unfortunate man and the engine-man, not being aware of his presence, set on the engine, by which the empty cage, on its way down, came in contact with his head and shoulders, crushing him very severely and rendering him quite insensible. He was immediately taken up, and conveyed in one of Mr. Dixon’s carts to his home, at Gorbals Old Toll, and from there to the Infirmary, where he expired shortly after his admission. He was unmarried. [Glasgow Herald 4 October 1847]

8 July 1848

Fatal Coal Pit Accident - About two o'clock on Saturday morning last, one of the colliers, named Bell, employed in Mr Wilson's coal pit, Dalmarnock, was deprived of life in a very shocking manner. The pit, which contains three distinct galleries, a considerable distance apart, has a perpendicular shaft which communicates with the whole of them. At the time when the accident occurred, the deceased, who was working in the upper gallery, was in the act of pushing a hutch containing coals forward to the shaft. While doing so, his lamp went out, and the consequence was that being unable to see his way clearly, he pushed the hutch too far, which was precipitated down to the very bottom of the shaft, a distance of some 30 or 40 fathoms, carrying along with it the ill-fated man, who was killed on the spot. His body, when brought to the mouth of the pit by his fellow workmen, presented a frightful spectacle, being dreadfully mangled. We understand that the unfortunate deceased, who resided at Dale Street, Bridgeton, was a steady and industrious workman. He has left behind him a wife and family to lament their sudden bereavement.[Glasgow Herald 14 July 1848]

18 September 1848

On Monday night last, a serious accident occurred at a coal pit at Shirva, near Kirkintilloch, whereby one poor man, a miner lost his life, and another was severely injured. According to our information, which, however, is not minute, there was some alleged imperfection in the machinery, in consequence of which, part of it came in contact with the deceased, whose name is William Bauld, and mutilated his body to a frightful extent. Death was of course instantaneous. Bauld, who resided at Kilsyth, has left a widow, to whom he had only been married a year. His companion, whose name is Mitchell, is severely bruised but we are glad to understand that there is no fear of his recovery. A searching investigation has been instituted by the authorities of Dumbartonshire, and yesterday the body of Bauld was subjected to a post mortem examination. [Glasgow Herald 22 September 1848]

23 September 1848

On Saturday last, an explosion took place in one of the pits at Dalzell Colliery near Hamilton, by which the lives of a number of persons were endangered, and 6 persons severely burned, one of whom, named Stevenson, is since dead.[Scotsman 30 Sept 1848]

21 June 1850

Fatal Accidents. - On Friday last, a miner named Alexander Dick, lost his life by the falling of a heavy stone from the roof of one of the Gas Coal Pits at Nethanfoot, belonging to Mr. Alexander Tennant. The deceased was a sober, steady man, in the prime of life, and has left a wife and six children quite destitute. We understand the authorities are making a searching investigation to ascertain whether or not the Coal Pit was in a sufficient state for working. [Glasgow Herald 28 June 1850]

17 July 1850

Colliery Accident - Explosion of Fire Damp - An accident from this cause occurred at a coal pit near Kenmuir, on the afternoon of Wednesday. Three colliers were sent down to the pit for the purpose of opening an aperture for the admission of pure air; while so employed, an explosion of fire damp took place, from the effects of which the men were severely scorched and bruised. Two of them, who were most seriously hurt, were conveyed to the Royal Infirmary, and the other removed to his residence at Kenmuir. We understand that the circumstance is undergoing investigation by the authorities, their being reason to believe that some degree of blame attaches to the parties who had charge of the pit. [Glasgow Herald 22 July 1850]

8 August 1850

Fatal Accident. - On Thursday, an accident resulting in the death of a man named James M'Bride occurred in the coal-pit of Mr. Wilson of Dalmarnock. It seems that the deceased and some of his fellow-workmen were making diversion near the mouth of a shaft leading to a deeper seam than that on which they were engaged, when by some mischance he lost his footing and was precipitated headlong into the excavation, which was a considerable number of fathoms in depth. The unfortunate individual in consequence received such mortal injuries that although living when brought to the surface, he died while beings conveyed to the Royal Infirmary. We understand the s deceased was unmarried. [Glasgow Herald - Monday 12 August 1850]

7 December 1850

On Saturday forenoon last, one of the men employed in the pit of Mr Wilson, Dalmarnock, lost his life in a very melancholy manner. The unfortunate deceased, whose name is Wm. Clarke, was at work in the pit, when a large mass of coal became suddenly detached from the roof, and falling upon him, crushed him so severely that death was almost instantaneous. He has left a widow and family; but the latter, we believe are able to support themselves.[Herald 13 Dec 1850]

13 December 1850

Colliery Accident.- On Tuesday afternoon, a miner, named George Young, met with an instantaneous death while at work in the Carolina pit, situated between West Muir and Shettleston, in the eastern part of this city. The deceased had on the previous day, removed a portion of the coal-seam where he was employed, and left the upper part in a very unsafe condition. He had, however, neglected to put up any prop, or take the usual caution in such circumstances, and the consequence was, that while at his ordinary work, at the time stated, the roof gave way, the mass coming down upon him, crushing him dreadfully under it. He was, of course, killed instantaneously. The authorities have instituted an inquiry into the circumstances, but found that no one was to blame, except the unfortunate sufferer himself. We understand he has left a widow, but no family. [Glasgow Herald 13 December 1850]

25 December 1852

A fatal accident occurred at Wishaw on Saturday, about two o'clock afternoon, at Mr John Watson's coal pit, by which two men were killed on the spot. A boy at the pit head was in the act of putting an empty hutch upon the cage, as he thought; but, unfortunately, he put it on the wrong side, the cage of that side being at the bottom of the pit with three men upon it, ready to come up. One man heard the hutch coming tumbling down the shaft, and jumped off, but the other two were crushed in a moment. The boy fell with the hutch, but caught the rope when about half way down the pit, and was thus wonderfully saved. There is no doubt but much blame is attached to the pithead man. [Glasgow Herald 31 December 1852]

16 November 1853

Jury Case – A case in which Mrs Robertson, widow of William Robertson, collier in Rutherglen, was pursuer, and Mr James Farle of Farme the defender, was tried on Wednesday before Lord Mackenzie and a jury, the issue being:- Whether the deceased William Robertson, husband of the pursuer, while in the employment of the defender, at the coal-pit at New Farme , near Rutherglen , on the 16th November 1853, was killed by the fall of a stone from the roof of the pit, in consequence of the insufficiency of the roof, and through the fault of the defender, and to the loss of the pursuer. A verdict for the pursuer was returned by the jury after about an hour's consideration, the damages being fixed at £50. [Scotsman 21 July 1855]

26 December 1853

Fatal Coal Pit Accident - A collier named Thomas Bryson, while acting temporarily as bottomer at Mr. Wilson's Coal Pit, Dalmarnock, was suddenly deprived of life on Wednesday, and a second man, named Speirs, received injuries about the head, and had a very narrow escape from the fate of his companion. The cause of the melancholy accident arose from the cage being lifted up by the engine before the signal was given - the two men being engaged at the time at the bottom of the shaft. An investigation is likely to follow. [Glasgow Herald 30 December 1853]

30 December 1853

Colliery Accident and Loss of Life – A fatal explosion of fire damp took place early on Friday morning at a coal pit situated at Hamilton Hill, near Rockvale. Dick, the oversman, had proceeded to make his accustomed examination of the pit with a common open lamp, instead of a Davy. There being a quantity of foul air in the pit, an immediate explosion took place , killing a man named Andrew Buchanan on the spot , and frightfully injuring Dick and other three men named James Devlin, Hugh O'Neill , and John Ralston. Dick died in the course of the forenoon, and little hopes are entertained of the recovery of the other men. [Scotsman 4 January 1854]

Colliery Accident and Loss of Life - A fatal explosion of fire damp took place burly on Friday morning, at a coal pit situated at Hamilton Hill, near Rockvale. The following are the particulars:- The duty of examining the pit to see that it was safe for the workmen before their going down to resume work for the day, appears to have been entrusted to William Dick, the foreman of the pit. In doing this a Davy lamp is used. On Friday morning, however, shortly before six o'clock, a number of the workers went down, leaded by William Dick, who appears to have culpably proceeded to make his accustomed .examination, bearing with him a common open lamp, and followed by the others. There being a quantity of foul air in the pit, an immediate explosion took place, killing a man named Andrew Buchanan on the spot, and frightfully injuring Dick and other three men named Jas. Devlin, Hugh O'Neill , and John Ralston. Dick died in the course of the forenoon, and little hopes are entertained of the recovery of the other men. No doubt is entertained of the culpable recklessness of the deceased man Dick. He has left a widow and six children, The other man who was killed was 23 years of age, and has left a widow but no family. Of course the fatal event is undergoing investigation. [Glasgow Herald 2 January 1854]